Biochemical Profiling of Liver and Kidney Functions in Fishermen’s Dogs Fed Predominantly Fish Diets in Ijaw Communities, Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria

Dogs in fishing communities in the Niger Delta region are commonly fed exclusively on fish offal and processed fish by-products, a dietary pattern with potential implications for organ function due to excess protein, thiamine antagonists, and possible heavy metal accumulation. This study profiled liver and kidney function in dogs fed predominantly fish-based diets in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria, compared with dogs fed commercial dry kibble diets in urban households. Forty dogs consisting of twenty on fish-based diets for at least one year and twenty on commercial diets were enrolled. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid were measured along with complete blood count and urine specific gravity. Dogs on fish-based diets exhibited significantly elevated blood urea nitrogen and uric acid concentrations, consistent with high purine dietary loads. Hepatic enzyme activities were significantly higher in this group, potentially reflecting thiaminase effects or lipid peroxidation from oxidised fish fat. Urine specific gravity was well-preserved, suggesting intact renal concentrating capacity. Anaemia was identified in five of twenty fish-fed dogs. These findings indicate hepatorenal biochemical derangements associated with exclusive fish feeding in dogs and support veterinary nutritional counselling for fish-dependent dog-keeping communities in Bayelsa State. Keywords: fish diet, hepatorenal function, dogs, uric acid, Bayelsa State.